2020 Concacaf Champions League — Quarterfinals, Leg 2
Tigres UANL vs. New York City FC
Exploria Stadium — Orlando
December 15 — 10:30 PM ET
TV: FS2, TUDN, TSN 3/5
STREAMING: FOX Sports GO, TSN.ca/TSN App
After their MLS Cup dreams were dashed in wild fashion, New York City FC return to Exploria Stadium with the hopes of rallying from an opening leg loss when they face Tigres UANL in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday night.
NYCFC have been idle since that epic penalty-kick ouster by Orlando City SC in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs on Nov. 21, while Tigres defeated Cruz Azul 1-0 at Estadio Azteca on Nov. 29, but fell 3-2 on aggregate in the Liga MX Apertura quarterfinals.
The teams renew acquaintances nine months after Tigres pulled off a late 1-0 win at Red Bull Arena. It was the last night of the sporting world as we knew it, as international and domestic competitions were halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Eduardo Vargas scored on a rebound in the second minute of second-half stoppage time to secure the away goal and win for Tigres.
The second leg was scheduled for Estadio Universitario and MLS sides haven't enjoyed a great deal of success in Mexico. But this match, as well as the remainder of the competition, has been moved to Orlando with all matches played without fans.
In their first appearance in the competition, NYCFC cruised past AD San Carlos in the Round of 16, advancing 6-3 on aggregate following a 1-0 home victory at Red Bull Arena in the second leg.
Tigres UANL had a much tougher time surviving its Round of 16 tie against Alianza. Tuca Ferretti's side bounced back from a 2-1 loss in San Salvador to win 4-2 at home in the second leg. Goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman sent Tigres, who lost to Monterrey in last year's final, through with a stoppage-time goal.
NYCFC will look a different side than the one that lined up for the first leg with three of those in the starting XI lineup either injured (James Sands, Heber) or no longer with the club (Alexandru Mitrita signed by Al-Ahli on a loan deal through Jan. 2022 with a purchase option).
One to watch is 18-year-old forward Andres Jasson, who became the fifth Homegrown signing in NYCFC history last month. He's part of the club's final 25-man roster, which also includes Gary Mackay-Steven, whose contract option was declined. The club, though, are in discussion with the Scottish winger about a possible new deal.
The winner meets either the Montreal Impact or CD Olimpia in the single leg semifinals Saturday, December 19 at 8 pm ET.
Series Matchup
- This is the second all-time meeting between Tigres UANL and New York City FC with Tigres winning 1-0 in the opening leg.
- Concacaf Champions League history: Tigres UANL - Tigres - 5 appearances (2012/13, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2018, 2019) 22 wins, 9 losses, 10 ties (72 goals) … NYCFC - first appearance: 2 wins, 1 loss (6 goals)
